As cyclist stops to pick flowers, strangers stop to pick his pocket

NORTHBORO — A bicyclist was assaulted this morning while riding on Prospect Street, and three people were arrested a short time later and charged in connection with the assault.

Police were called to 9 Mulberry Lane at 5:20 a.m. to meet a man who said he had been assaulted as he stopped to pick flowers during a bike ride. The man, who was not identified, told police he was riding his bike on nearby Pleasant Street when he noticed a vehicle pass him, turn onto Prospect Street and stop. The man rode his bike down Prospect Street, heard two doors close and saw two men standing outside the car that had just passed him.

The man stopped along the side of the road to pick flowers and saw the vehicle pass him again. He was then grabbed by the two men he had seen outside the car, and they tried to grab his wallet.

As he struggled with the pair, the victim yelled for someone to call police, and was knocked to the ground.

The assailants ran away and got into the car, which had driven by again during the altercation.

Police issued a "Be On the Look Out" for a car fitting the description, and a Holden police officer noticed the car and the suspects at a Cumberland Farms.

Heather L. Collazo, 35, of Sudbury, was arrested and charged with unarmed assault with intent to rob and conspiracy. She was released on $540 cash bail.

An unidentified 17-year-old was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a disabled person 65 years old or older, unarmed assault with intent to rob, and conspiracy. He was held on $1,040 cash bail.

Jabiel I. Zayas, 37, of 15 Sturgis St., Worcester, was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a person age 65 years old or older, unarmed assault with intent to rob, and conspiracy. He was also held on $1,040 cash bail.

All three are to be arraigned in Westboro District Court.

Contact Donna Boynton at dboynton@telegram.com or follow her on Twitter @DonnaBoyntonTG